October 2026 decisions news release
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday, October 12) published advice on eight medicines.
Mirvetuximab soravtansine (Elahere®) was accepted for treating adults with a certain type of advanced ovarian cancer, where the patient has already received previous treatments.
Vutrisiran (Amvuttra®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). This is a rare condition where abnormal proteins called amyloid build up in tissues around the heart.
Obinutuzumab (Gazyvaro®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with lupus nephritis. In lupus nephritis the immune system attacks the kidneys causing inflammation and damage.
Standardised allergen extract of pollen from white birch (Itulazax®) was accepted to treat adults with moderate to severe allergy symptoms due to pollen from birch trees and related species.
Atogepant (Aquipta®) was accepted to treat migraine symptoms in adults.
Deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi®) was accepted to treat severe alopecia areata in adults.
Palopegteriparatide (Yorvipath®) was not recommended for the treatment of adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition where the parathyroid glands in the neck do not work properly, leading to low blood calcium levels and problems with bones, muscles and nerves.
Inavolisib (Itovebi®) was not recommended for the treatment of adults with a certain type of advanced breast cancer.
SMC Chair Dr Rob Peel said: “The committee is pleased to be able to accept these new medicines for use by NHSScotland.
“Mirvetuximab offers an effective targeted treatment for this group of patients with advanced ovarian cancer who have limited treatment options.
“Vutrisiran offers another treatment option for patients with ATTR-CM, that is administered in a different way from the currently available option and may suit some patients better.
“Obinutuzumab offers an effective treatment option for lupus nephritis which may help more patients achieve remission from their condition.
“Itulazax® is the first targeted treatment specifically for people suffering severe allergy symptoms due to pollen from birch trees and may help patients whose symptoms have not responded to currently available treatments.
“The committee was unable to accept palopegteriparatide for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism. The company’s evidence around the cost effectiveness of the treatment was not sufficient.
“The committee was also unable to accept inavolisib for the treatment of a type of advanced breast cancer. The company’s evidence around the cost effectiveness of the treatment, compared with other options, was not sufficient.
“For the medicines we were unable to accept, we would welcome resubmissions from the companies addressing the issues we have raised.”